All or Nothing

The state football playoffs are three weeks away. But tonight determines if Bartram, Nease and Menendez have a shot at getting there.

Published Friday, October 24, 2008

Bartram Trail (2-5) at Ed White (3-4)

* Time: 7 p.m.

* What's at stake: Bartram's playoff streak

* Question: Can Nick Smith (above) and the Bears stretch their seven-year playoff run to another year?

* How big is it?: With four straight losses, Bartram is struggling, no denying that. But the Bears have always played well when it's come to putting their season on the line, which is what they're up against tonight. They've reached the postseason every year since they've been eligible, but a loss to the Commanders officially eliminates the Bears. It also locks in a losing season, which are rare at Bartram. The Bears' worst seasons were 5-6 finishes in 2003 and '04.

A win keeps Bartram alive, and puts it in a must-win against Fletcher in two weeks. The Bears would also need some help.

Lake City Columbia (3-4)

at Nease (3-3)

* Time: 7:30 p.m.

* What's at stake: Survival in District 5-4A

* Question: How will Nease and RB Devin Flynn (above) handle an elimination game in Week 8?

* How big is it?: As if this game needed any more fuel, it now comes with a bigger price than just determining winner and runner-up in the district. An upset loss to Ridgeview two weeks ago put Nease in an unfamiliar role at this point.

A loss here puts the Panthers on the sidelines for the playoffs. And they'll have to do it against a guy who knows them well. Columbia's coach is Craig Howard, a guy who only led Nease to three consecutive state championship game appearances.

Palatka (5-2) at Menendez (5-2)

* Time: 7:30 p.m.

* What's at stake: Survival in District 4-3A

* Question: Can Menendez and RB Dustin Bryant (above) win their biggest game of the season?

* How big is it?: The Falcons went to Palatka last year and effectively ended the Panthers' season in Week 8 with a 20-16 victory. Palatka will look to do the same here.

If Menendez can win tonight, it doesn't lock up a playoff spot, but the Falcons will control their own destiny. Winning out would mean the first state playoff berth in Menendez history.

Should Palatka win, the Panthers will do no worse than a district runner-up spot.